The Central Coast was hit by another super-soaker storm Monday and mandatory evacuation orders were issued for neighborhoods in Salinas, Carmel, and Royal Oaks in California.

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A mandatory evacuation order was issued by Monterey County officials at 3 p.m. for residents who were impacted by the Carmel River cresting its banks.

"The Carmel River is expected to hit flood stage beginning at 4 p.m. and peak beginning at 8 p.m. Areas that may be impacted by flooding include all low-lying areas adjacent to the entire stem of the river from the Los Padres Dam to Mission Fields," Monterey County spokeswoman Maia Carroll said.

"Those affected are asked to leave as quickly as feasible," she said.

The Red Cross established an evacuation center at Carmel Middle School, 4389 Carmel Valley Road. The SPCA of Monterey County will assist evacuees with animals. Call the SPCA if you have large animals that need to be moved, at 831-373-2631.

Santa Rita Creek rapidly reached its peak as unrelenting rain pounded Salinas. The creek was overflowing and gushing into homes.

Evacuations orders were changed from voluntary to mandatory at 2:30 p.m. Many families chose to stay put despite receiving reverse 911 calls. Others labored for hours hauling their valuable possessions out in wheelbarrows.

"We've asked people to evacuate the area for their safety and for the safety of (first) responders. Don't put yourself in a situation where you have to be rescued," Deputy Salinas Fire Chief Brett Loomis said.

Some residents and volunteers attempted to build stronger sandbag barriers, but the water proved tough to tame as rain continued to fall.

"The water is going to do what it's going to do. We could put a number of resources out here and try to sandbag one area, but it would divert water into someone else's property," Loomis said.

The Red Cross established an evacuation center at Northminster Presbyterian Church at 315 East Alvin Drive in Salinas.

In rural Royal Oaks along Lewis Road, a massive mudslide landed against a house and residents had to evacuate. A donkey was killed by a tree that fell at Hidden Hills Ranch in Prunedale.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties Monday morning. Flood warnings remained in effect through the afternoon.

Dozens of lightning strikes were recorded over the Pacific Ocean near the Central Coast.

Thousands of homes and businesses have been without power on the Central Coast since Friday's wind storm hit. The areas impacted most are Prunedale and Salinas, where more than 5,000 customers still remained without power Monday night.

All schools in the North Monterey County Unified School District will be closed on Tuesday.

"Due to the high wind advisory tonight, potential flooding, downed trees, constant power outages, and road closures, all schools and programs will be closed on Tuesday," Yvette Padilla of the superintendent's office said.